Hockey World Cup Highlights: Argentina toil to beat South Africa 1-0 in FIH men’s World Cup opener

Hockey World Cup Highlights: Argentina beat SouthAfrica – Former Olympic champions Argentina were made to toil by World No.14 South Africa before registering a 1-0 win in the opening Pool A match of the FIH men’s hockey World Cup on Friday. Follow Hockey World Cup 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.

Hockey WC 2023 LIVE: From bamboo sticks to World Cup debut, inspiring story of Indian hockey team’s Nilam Sanjeep Xess

Hockey World Cup Highlights: Argentina toil to beat South Africa 1-0 in FIH men’s World Cup opener

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝟏 – 𝟎 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚

Maico Casella’s goal proves to be the difference as #LosLeones begin their FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 campaign with a win. #HWC2023 @ArgFieldHockey @SA_Hockey pic.twitter.com/ZiPsueIWV1

— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 13, 2023

After a barren and hard-fought first two quarters, Argentina, the 2016 Olympic champions, scored the winner in the 42nd minute through a field effort from Casella Maico. But it was far from rosy for the Los Leones as it was South Africa who pressed hard in the first quarter but failed to convert their chances into positive results.

In the second quarter, Argentina came back strongly and secured three penalty corners in succession but wasted all as South Africa defended stoutly. After the change of ends, South Africa had the first shy at the goal in the form of a penalty corner but the opportunity was wasted.

Hockey World Cup Highlights: Argentina toil to beat South Africa 1-0 in FIH men’s World Cup opener

Argentina broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Casella capitalised on a counter-attack and scored a brilliant field goal from Toscani’s pass. Down a goal, South Africa came out attacking in the fourth and final quarter, but the Argentine defence stood firm to stifle their rivals’ forays and register a hard-fought win.

Argentina will face World No.1 Australia on January 16 here, while South Africa will take on France in their next pool match on the same day.

Hockey World Cup Highlights: Argentina toil to beat South Africa 1-0 in FIH men’s World Cup opener

Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow Hockey World Cup 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.